Day of the Dead Bread

Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is an ancient Aztec ritual celebrated in Mexico and certain parts of Central America and the U.S. On November 1 and 2, wooden skull masks are donned and people dance in honor of their deceased relatives. While holiday traditions vary from place to place, food always plays an important role. The sweet, rich, glazed egg bread, Pan de Muerto, is always served, though it, too, varies in shape and decoration from region to region. The most common shape is round decorated with small pieces of dough on top that represent bones and skulls. Loaves in the shapes of human beings and animals—particularly rabbits—are also popular. White, colored or powdered sugar is often sprinkled on top of the loaves for a festive touch.

In this recipe

Instructions

FOR BREADS:COMBINE1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, anise seeds, salt and yeast in large mixer bowl. Heat evaporated milk, water and butter over low heat in medium saucepan until mixture reaches 115° to 120° F. and butter is melted. (If too hot, let it cool a bit before adding to dry ingredients.) Make a well in the center of the flour mixture; pour in milk mixture. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed until blended. Add eggs and 1 1/2 cups flour; mix well. Gradually add remaining 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 cups flour (1/2 cup at a time) mixing well after each addition until dough is smooth but not sticky (You may not need all the flour).

PLACE dough on lightly floured surface; knead 10 to 15 minutes or until dough is moderately stiff, smooth and elastic. Additional flour may be needed to help prevent sticking. Place dough in large greased bowl; turn over. Cover with greased plastic wrap. Let rise at room temperature for 60 to 75 minutes or until doubled in size.

PUNCH dough down. Cut dough into 4 equal portions to make 3 “loaves” and 1 for decorations. On lightly floured surface, kneading as necessary, shape 3 of the portions into round loaves. Place on greased baking sheet(s). Keep all dough portions covered with greased plastic wrap to prevent drying of dough. Shape remaining dough portion into 3 small balls, tears, braids and/or bones. To decorate, place 1 small ball on top of round loaf, surrounding each ball with the remaining decorations. To adhere shapes to dough, gently score decorations, as well as areas on each loaf that decorations will be attached to. Adhere with dabs of water. Loosely cover with greased plastic wrap. Allow to rise at room temperature for another 30 minutes or until nearly doubled.

PREHEAT oven to 350º F. Meanwhile, prepare Glaze. Combine 1/2 cup sugar and orange juice in small saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until syrup is formed, about 5 minutes. (Mixture may bubble up; remove from heat if it does, stir and then return to heat.) Remove from heat.

BAKE loaves for 20 minutes. Brush loaves with syrup. Sprinkle with sugar; return to oven. Continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.